Should You Work as TS Nadine Approaches? 

Tropical Nadine is expected to make landfall in a few hours. As of 9 a.m., Nadine was located 25 miles southeast of Belize City, moving west at 8 mph with sustained winds of 50 mph.

The National Meteorological Service (NMS) and the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) held a press conference this morning. During the Q&A, officials were asked for their advice to persons who will be working today.

NEMO’s National Emergency Coordinator, Daniel Mendez said their messaging has been clear and consistent regarding the seriousness of the approaching storm. He strongly recommended that businesses close, stressing that it is unwise to assume the storm is small or harmless. “We don’t know what the full impact will be, but we are aware of the potential for flooding,” he noted.

Mendez urged people to take the situation seriously, especially since the system is expected to pass within the next few hours. He explained that teams would be moving through all districts to ensure that residents are informed and advised of the storm’s imminent arrival. “It’s crucial that we act now. We cannot have people engaging in regular activities while we are preparing for the storm’s impact,” Mendez added.

“We cannot, we cannot have people out there doing those activities while we are preparing for the potential of the imminent arrival of the storm in the next few hours.”

When asked for advice for those persons who are being forced to work, Mendez stressed the importance of taking all weather systems seriously, stating that it is unwise to dismiss any storm as a small event that will quickly pass. He acknowledged that the impacts from Tropical Storm Nadine could include not only rainfall but also secondary flooding effects.

Mendez advised families and business owners to be vigilant and prepared, stressing that the situation warrants serious attention. He noted the necessity for businesses to adhere to safety recommendations, although he refrained from specifying mandatory actions at this time.